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CrossFit community crowdfunds $170,000 for injured competitor

Colorado resident Kevin Ogar, who grew up in O'Fallon, Mo. was performing a powerlift Sunday in California when his spine was severed. After two operations to repair his spinal cord, Ogar is paralyzed from the waist down.

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CrossFit community crowdfunds $170,000 for injured competitor

Colorado resident Kevin Ogar, who grew up in O'Fallon, Mo. was performing a powerlift Sunday in California when his spine was severed. After two operations to repair his spinal cord, Ogar is paralyzed from the waist down.
KSDK

KSDK - Colorado resident Kevin Ogar, who grew up in O'Fallon, Mo. was performing a powerlift Sunday in California when his spine was severed. After two operations to repair his spinal cord, Ogar is paralyzed from the waist down.

"He went to his first physical therapy and got his back brace on for the first time," said Vince Ogar, Kevin's father, from his son's California hospital. "He had two operations and finished up the one late last night. Spirit-wise he's doing pretty good."

Online videos show the 6'1", 210 pound Ogar as a workout warrior: running, jump-roping, push-ups pull-ups, and weight-lifting. Kevin Ogar coaches and competes in CrossFit, a high-intensity workout regimen that has gained popularity among fitness buffs. The CrossFit community is coming to the aid of Ogar, who had no health insurance at the time of the accident. In a matter of days, over $170,000 has been raised to defray Ogar's medical costs.

Kevin's father fought back tears as he talked about the world-wide support of crossfit community.

"The CrossFit community has shown up in force. They've been awesome. Not just their support financially," said Vince Ogar, "but their support with prayers and coming by to see Kev. It's amazing."

Ogar had been a coach at CrossFit Unbroken in Englewood, CO. The 2004 graduate of Fort Zumwalt West High School clearly has a tough road ahead.

"He's up to the challenge," said Kevin's father. "First things first. Got to get him out of the hospital."

To learn more about Kevin Ogar, or to contribute to his medical care, www.kevinogar.com.